IP44 vs IP06
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP06 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP06 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP44 protects against small solid objects (1 mm) and splashing water from any direction. It is the common minimum rating for outdoor-covered fixtures and bathroom zone equipment.
With IP06, an enclosure receives no protection against solid objects and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP06
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP06
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP06
Yes
Submersible
IP44
No
IP06
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP06
Yes
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP06)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP44 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP06 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP06 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP06. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP06 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.